“A voice of one calling: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.’ A voice says, ‘Cry out.’ And I said, ‘What shall I cry?’ ‘All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them. Surely the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.’” (Isaiah 40:1-8 NIV)

“Look at that highway that these people are building in the wilderness,” complained a blade of grass.

“How foolish! Don’t they know that desserts are for rabbits, snakes and foxes? Nobody will use their highway!”

“Maybe there is a purpose to this,” remarked a different blade of grass, the Wise One.

“Purpose? Purpose!” shouted another blade, the one they called the Religious One. “This goes against what our religious rules are dictating! We are not here to build a highway in a deserted place. We are here to obey rules and regulations and make sure others adhere to these principles!”

“Why don’t we wait and see what comes out of it?” suggested the Wise One.

But the first blade of grass wouldn’t let it go: “Who do they think they are? Look! Valleys are being raised up and mountains torn down! How can we lead a successful life that way? How ridiculous!”

Then the Frivolous One joined in: “And I had so much fun going in the valleys of pleasure. Where will I find my entertainment when all this is done?”

“They are turning our world upside down!” continued the first one. “Why don’t they consult our religious authorities before making their rash decisions!”

All of a sudden, the skies were engulfed in dark, ominous clouds, which blocked the light to the whole landscape. Lightning began striking at random. A voice was heard, and to those who opposed the construction of the new road, it was terrifying: “Hear ye. Hear ye. This highway will be your way to salvation. My own Son is building it with His own blood. Anyone of you deciding to travel on it will be transformed from a miserable life of addictions into a life filled with purpose and real fulfillment!”

“Could it be that this highway is what we have been looking for?” The eager question came from the blade of grass who was always searching.

“”Don’t be ridiculous,” shouted the Religious One. “Wouldn’t we, the religious leaders, know about it if it were?”

Then the Wise One did something that would be considered foolish to the rest of them. He leaned over to the highway and started to walk on it, and before everyone’s eyes, he was transformed, bit-by-bit, into a creature filled with light.

Everybody watched in amazement. “Who does he think he is?” snarled the Complainer.

But the question of the Questioning One left everyone in deep thought: “Is it possible that he has become a child of God?”

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My friend, this highway exists. It was introduced by John the Baptist 2000 years ago, and was fulfilled by Jesus Christ. That road is Jesus: John 14:6: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Religious people will disagree with you. They will emphasize that the road to heaven can only be obtained through your own efforts. Others will proclaim it does not matter; everyone will be saved, so why not enjoy the pleasures of this world?

However, the Bible is clear: Acts 4:12 “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”

It’s amazing that under the guidance of Jesus we have no reason to be proud, for mountains are leveled by His presence. Neither do depression and worthlessness have any place in His kingdom, for He raises every valley. Instead, we become children of God and start to enjoy real life. I know this personally, for I walk this highway!

Friend, will you stay on the prairies as a blade of grass, or will you travel the wilderness highway? Since the choice is yours, why not try the highway? Come to Jesus and ask Him into your life. True fulfillment can only be found in Him!

Rob Chaffart